Jon M
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- January 12, 2017
- Messages
- 736
- Reaction score
- 156
- City, State
- Mount Pleasant, SC
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2015 Explorer XLT
So, while my '13 XLT is in getting the exhaust smell TSB done, I've had a 2017 as a loaner. It had 39 miles on it when I picked it up. It smelled horrible the first few hours. I think that was stuff burning off.
I know the changes were generally minor, and the one I am driving doesn't have all of the options that mine has, but I've spent enough time driving it to reach a couple of conclusions.
First, I think the '17 is quieter, at least as far as engine noise. The road noise difference could just be tires, but starting it, it seems quieter, and I don't notice it at all when I'm driving. I will say, the Michelins on it have done really well in the rain.
Second, while I miss having push button start, and not having to get my keys out to get in (my '13 does not have it, the '17 does), I don't like Ford's execution of some aspects of it. Pulling the door handle twice unlocks it, or pressing the button. Getting out with the key in my pocket, while it's running, gives the double honk. How incredibly annoying.
Third, I like the new steering wheel controls, especially the paddle shifters. I don't use the manual mode in mine, at all. I used those a couple of times, though.
Last, the back up sensors are either angled a little differently, or they're more discriminating. Either way, I like it. In mine, the sensors go off because of the sidewalk when I'm backing into my parking spot. The '17 didn't. I almost backed onto the sidewalk, I'm so used to getting warned half a car length out. The backup camera lines, having both the static and dynamic, is confusing and annoying. This one only has a 4" screen, which might contribute, but I definitely don't like that.
I already knew that I'm not a fan of the updated look. The brake light LEDs aren't square in the assembly, and they aren't all equally bright, or show completely. I noticed that being behind multiple '16s or '17s.
Although not as good as the F-150's, the cloth seats in the '17 are a lot better than older cars, with velour. This seems much more durable, and easier to clean. I've always preferred leather because of my dogs, but with this cloth, I might actually be able to make it work. But not in tan. This tan & black interior was giving me KIA flashbacks.
I know the changes were generally minor, and the one I am driving doesn't have all of the options that mine has, but I've spent enough time driving it to reach a couple of conclusions.
First, I think the '17 is quieter, at least as far as engine noise. The road noise difference could just be tires, but starting it, it seems quieter, and I don't notice it at all when I'm driving. I will say, the Michelins on it have done really well in the rain.
Second, while I miss having push button start, and not having to get my keys out to get in (my '13 does not have it, the '17 does), I don't like Ford's execution of some aspects of it. Pulling the door handle twice unlocks it, or pressing the button. Getting out with the key in my pocket, while it's running, gives the double honk. How incredibly annoying.
Third, I like the new steering wheel controls, especially the paddle shifters. I don't use the manual mode in mine, at all. I used those a couple of times, though.
Last, the back up sensors are either angled a little differently, or they're more discriminating. Either way, I like it. In mine, the sensors go off because of the sidewalk when I'm backing into my parking spot. The '17 didn't. I almost backed onto the sidewalk, I'm so used to getting warned half a car length out. The backup camera lines, having both the static and dynamic, is confusing and annoying. This one only has a 4" screen, which might contribute, but I definitely don't like that.
I already knew that I'm not a fan of the updated look. The brake light LEDs aren't square in the assembly, and they aren't all equally bright, or show completely. I noticed that being behind multiple '16s or '17s.
Although not as good as the F-150's, the cloth seats in the '17 are a lot better than older cars, with velour. This seems much more durable, and easier to clean. I've always preferred leather because of my dogs, but with this cloth, I might actually be able to make it work. But not in tan. This tan & black interior was giving me KIA flashbacks.
